J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga remains a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most acclaimed film trilogies of all time. This epic tale of good versus evil, woven with themes of friendship and heroism, continues to captivate audiences. With the excitement surrounding the second season of Rings of Power and a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026, there's never been a better time to delve into the rich tapestry of Middle-earth.

For those yet to embark on this literary journey, or for seasoned fans looking to expand their collection, we've crafted a comprehensive guide on how to read the Middle-earth books. Whether you choose to follow the chronological order or the publication sequence, prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

How Many The Lord of the Rings Books Are There in the Series?

Tolkien's primary Middle-earth saga comprises four books: The Hobbit and the trilogy known as The Lord of the Rings, which includes The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Additionally, several companion books and collections have been released posthumously, enriching the lore of Middle-earth. Here, we highlight seven of the most significant additions.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

For newcomers or collectors, various book sets offer different editions to enhance your library. Our top pick is the luxurious leather-bound illustrated versions, but there are numerous styles to suit every taste.

The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Edition

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The Hobbit And The Lord Of The Rings: Deluxe Pocket Boxed Set

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The Silmarillion Deluxe Illustrated Edition

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The Hobbit Deluxe Illustrated Edition

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The Lord of the Rings Books Reading Order

To navigate the vast world of Middle-earth, we've organized Tolkien's works into two sections: the core saga and additional readings. The main saga, featuring The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, presented in chronological order. The additional readings, published after Tolkien's passing, are arranged by their publication dates.

For those new to the series, these summaries contain only light spoilers, focusing on overarching plot points and character introductions.

1. The Hobbit

Tolkien's initial foray into Middle-earth, The Hobbit, introduces us to Bilbo Baggins on his journey with Thorin and Company to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. Published in 1937, this tale sets the stage for the discovery of the One Ring and the Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Published in 1954, The Fellowship of the Ring begins with Bilbo's 111th birthday and the passing of the One Ring to Frodo. After a 17-year gap, Frodo embarks on his quest, forming the Fellowship to destroy the Ring in Mount Doom. By the end, Frodo, accompanied by Sam, sets off toward Mordor.

3. The Two Towers

The second volume, The Two Towers, released in 1954, follows the split Fellowship as they face various challenges. One group confronts Saruman, while Frodo and Sam, guided by Gollum, continue their perilous journey to Mordor.

4. The Return of the King

Concluding the trilogy in 1955, The Return of the King sees the Fellowship's final push against Sauron's forces. The epic concludes with the destruction of the Ring, followed by the hobbits' return to the Shire for one last battle, a scene absent from the films.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

Published posthumously in 1977, The Silmarillion explores the creation and history of Arda, the world encompassing Middle-earth. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it spans from the world's creation to the Third Age.

The Silmarillion

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6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

Released in 1980, Unfinished Tales offers a collection of stories and histories, edited by Christopher Tolkien, delving into the origins of the wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, and more.

Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth

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7. The History of Middle-earth

A comprehensive twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, The History of Middle-earth compiles and analyzes Tolkien's writings, edited by Christopher Tolkien.

The Complete History of Middle-Earth

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8. The Children of Húrin

Published in 2007, The Children of Húrin is a complete version of a tale from The Silmarillion, set during the First Age, and follows the tragic story of Húrin and his children.

The Children of Hurin

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9. Beren and Lúthien

Released in 2017, Beren and Lúthien tells the romantic tale of the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien, a story inspired by Tolkien's own life.

Beren And Lúthien

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10. The Fall of Gondolin

Published in 2018, The Fall of Gondolin recounts the tale of Tuor and the divine mission to Gondolin, linking to The Lord of the Rings through Eärendil, Elrond's father.

The Fall Of Gondolin

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11. The Fall of Númenor

The latest addition, released in 2022, The Fall of Númenor compiles stories from the Second Age, edited by Brian Sibley, covering the rise and fall of Númenor and the forging of the Rings of Power.

The Fall of Númenor

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How to Read The Lord of the Rings By Release Date

For those interested in following the historical timeline of publication:

• The Hobbit (1937)
• The Fellowship of the Ring (1954)
• The Two Towers (1954)
• The Return of the King (1955)
• The Silmarillion (1977)
• Unfinished Tales (1980)
• The History of Middle-earth (1983–1996)
• The Children of Húrin (2007)
• Beren and Lúthien (2017)
• The Fall of Gondolin (2018)
• The Fall of Númenor (2022)

^Part of the main four-book Lord of the Rings saga*

For further exploration of fantasy and science fiction, consider these resources:

• New Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books
• Best Books Like Lord of the Rings
• How to Watch The Lord of the Rings Movies in Order
• Every Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Set